Last Updated on November 11, 2025
A season-by-season guide from Coastal Charters
The Gulf off Port Aransas changes throughout the year. Water temperatures swing from winter lows around 58°F to summer highs near 85°F, and fish migrations follow those patterns. Federal regulations shift annually, and knowing when each species is legal to keep makes the difference between a great day and a wasted trip.
This guide breaks down what’s biting each season, where to find it, and what trip length gets you there. For real-time conditions and the latest regulatory updates, call us at 361-850-0909.
Important Note on Regulations: Federal fishing seasons and bag limits are subject to change annually. This guide reflects regulations current as of November 2025; however, please verify the current rules before booking any trip. Check NOAA Gulf Regulations for federal waters and TPWD Fishing Regulations for state rules.
How This Calendar Works
Each season lists target species, along with their prime fishing windows and recommended trip types. Federal seasons can shift mid-year based on catch limits. We track those changes daily so you don’t have to guess.
Quick Reference by Season
| Season | Top Targets | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Cobia, kings, trout, redfish, flounder | Warming water brings migrations north |
| Summer (June-August) | Red snapper, kings, mahi, tarpon, sharks | Federal snapper season opens June 1 |
| Fall (September-November) | Bull reds, wahoo, flounder, blackfin tuna | Cooler temps, lighter crowds, strong bite |
| Winter (December-February) | Wahoo, blackfin tuna, state snapper, trophy trout | Weather-dependent, watch for calm windows |
Spring (March through May)
Water temps climb from the low 60s into the mid-70s. Bait pods move inshore as the Gulf warms. Migratory species follow the current lines north along the Texas coast, stacking up in predictable patterns that make spring one of the most consistent fishing windows of the year.
| Species | Why Spring Works | Best Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Cobia | First warm fronts push cobia north along current lines | 8-hour off-shore |
| King Mackerel | Early kings arrive with migrating bait, calm seas keep rides smooth | 8-hour off-shore |
| Flounder | Fish return to bays and passes as water warms | 4-hour bay |
| Trout & Redfish | Consistent bite on grass flats and shell, perfect for kids | 4-hour bay |
Cobia
The first warm fronts in March push cobia into near-shore waters. They travel in small groups along rip tides and current seams, often visible on the surface near floating debris or rays. By late April, they stack between the jetties and the first set of rigs. An 8-hour offshore charter gives you time to sight-cast or work vertical jigs around structure.
When to fish – Mid-March through May
Best trip – 6-hour near-shore
King Mackerel
Early kings arrive with mullet and menhaden schools in March. Seas stay relatively calm through April. That means smooth rides to productive water. Fish the current seams 5 to 15 miles out, trolling spoons or slow-trolling live bait. July and August bring peak numbers around shrimp boats, but spring offers consistent action without the summer crowds.
When to fish – March through May
Best trip – 8-hour offshore
Flounder
As bay water warms into the upper 60s, flounder move back into shallow areas after their winter offshore spawn. Target sandy pockets near grass lines and channel edges. A 4-hour bay trip covers enough water to locate active fish. Fall remains the top season for flounder, but spring provides solid action before the summer heat sets in.
When to fish – April and May
Best trip – 4-hour bay charter
Trout and Redfish
Spring offers one of the most consistent bay bites of the year. Speckled trout feed over shell bars and grass flats when water temperatures hit 68 to 75°F. Redfish cruise grassy shorelines in the Lydia Ann and Corpus Christi Bay systems. This is the ideal season for kids and first-time anglers, as the bite remains reliable and the weather cooperates.
When to fish – March through May
Best trip – 4-hour bay charter
Questions about timing or tackle? Call 361-850-0909 and talk with a captain before you book.
Summer (June through August)
Water temps peak in the low to mid-80s. Blue water moves closer to shore on south winds, bringing pelagic species within reach of shorter runs. The federal red snapper season opens. Offshore action picks up significantly across the board.
| Species | Why Summer Shines | Best Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Red Snapper | Federal for-hire season opens June 1 | 6-8-hour near-shore |
| King Mackerel | Peak numbers around shrimp boats in July and August | 10-12-hour offshore |
| Mahi-Mahi | Weed lines drift closer on clear, blue-water days | 10-12 hour offshore |
| Tarpon | Rolling fish cruise the beach July through early fall | 6-hour near-shore |
| Sailfish & Cobia | Good shots on color breaks 30-50 miles out | Rolling fish cruise the beach from July through early fall |
| Sharks | Spinner, blacktip, and bonnethead action heats up | 6-hour near-shore |
Red Snapper
The 2025 federal for-hire season for boats with federal permits runs from June 1 through September 16. Private recreational anglers fishing in federal waters have a longer window through November 21, 2025. Texas state waters (0 to 9 nautical miles from shore) remain open year-round with a 4-fish bag limit and 15-inch minimum.
Snapper stack on natural bottom and artificial reefs in 60 to 100 feet. Most limits come in the first few hours. That leaves time to target other species on the same trip.
When to fish – June 1 through September 16 (federal for-hire), year-round (state waters)
Best trip – 8 to 12 hours offshore for federal waters, 6 hours for state waters
Check current regulations – NOAA Red Snapper and TPWD Red Snapper
King Mackerel
July and August bring peak numbers. Kings congregate around shrimp boats working offshore, feeding on the discarded bycatch. The bite remains strong through mid-morning, then picks up again in the late afternoon. An 8-hour trip allows you multiple passes to schools.
When to fish – June through August
Best trip – 6 to 8 hours near-shore
Mahi-Mahi
When weed lines drift within 25 to 40 miles of Port Aransas, mahi move in underneath them. Look for clear, blue water and surface debris. These fish average 10 to 20 pounds, with bigger bulls mixed in. You need at least a 10-hour trip to reach a consistent structure and have enough time to work productively.
When to fish – June through August (best in July)
Best trip – 10 to 12 hours offshore
Tarpon
Rolling tarpon cruise the beachfront from July into early fall. Fish the first and second guts in 15 to 40 feet of water. Sight-casting to these fish is one of the more exciting near-shore opportunities on the Texas coast. These are catch-and-release only, but the fight makes them worth every minute on the water.
When to fish – July and August
Best trip – 6-hour near-shore
Sailfish and Cobia
Color breaks 30 to 50 miles out hold sailfish and cobia (also called ling) during the summer months. The bite improves when water temperatures create defined temperature gradients. Both species hit live bait and trolled ballyhoo.
When to fish – June through August
Best trip – 10 to 12 hours offshore
Sharks
Texas allows retention of particular shark species with strict size and bag limits. The daily bag limit is one shark per person (2-fish possession limit). Legal species for most anglers include blacktip sharks, spinner sharks, and bonnethead sharks (24-inch minimum). Bull sharks and other species require a minimum of 64 inches.
Hammerhead sharks are legal to keep, but they require a minimum length of 99 inches (over 8 feet). That makes them impractical for most recreational anglers. Many charter operations practice catch-and-release for sharks due to conservation concerns and the ecological value of these apex predators.
Important: Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing for sharks in Texas state waters. Prohibited species include great white sharks, sandbar sharks, and several others. See the complete list at TPWD Shark Regulations.
When to fish – June through August (water temps above 78°F)
Best trip – 8-hour offshore
Check regulations – TPWD Shark Limits & Identification
Most summer mornings start with a snapper limit by 9 or 10 a.m. After that, you can troll for kings and mahi or sight-cast for tarpon as the sun climbs.
Not sure which summer trip fits your group? Give us a call at 361-850-0909.
Fall (September through November)
Water temps drop from the low 80s into the upper 60s by late November. Baitfish stage near passes and jetties ahead of their winter migration. Predators follow. Crowds thin out after Labor Day, and captains have more flexibility with scheduling. The cooler air and strong bites make fall a local favorite season.
| Species | Why Fall Delivers | Best Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Bull Redfish | Annual migration packs big reds at jetties and surf | 4-hour bay/jetty |
| Wahoo | First strong fronts spark the wahoo bite in November | Gigging and rod-and-reel action peak in October-November |
| Spanish & King Mackerel | Late-summer bait keeps mackerel active into October | 8-hour near-shore |
| Flounder | Gigging and rod-and-reel action peak October-November | 4-hour bay |
| Blackfin Tuna | Night jigging at offshore rigs improves as water cools | 12-hour offshore |
Bull Redfish
The annual bull red migration peaks in October and early November. Fish in the 30 to 40-inch range pack the jetties, surf, and deep channels of the Aransas Pass ship channel. A 4-hour bay or jetty trip puts you on these fish during incoming tides. These oversized reds are catch-and-release only. The fight alone makes them a worthwhile target.
When to fish – October and November
Best trip – 4-hour bay or jetty charter
Wahoo
The first strong cold fronts in November trigger the wahoo bite. These fish move into the 100-fathom curve and along temperature breaks. High-speed trolling with deep-diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo produces most strikes. Plan for a 10- to 12-hour run, as the productive water sits far offshore.
When to fish – November
Best trip – 10 to 12 hours offshore
Spanish and King Mackerel
Late-summer bait schools linger into October, keeping both species active. Spanish mackerel work closer to shore. Kings stay 8 to 20 miles out. An 8-hour trip covers enough range to target both without rushing.
When to fish – September and October
Best trip – 8-hour near-shore to offshore
Flounder
Fall is the top season for flounder. Fish stage near passes before their offshore spawn. Both rod-and-reel and gigging action peak from mid-October through November. Target sandy transition zones where channels meet grass flats. Texas’s bag limit is five fish per person, with a minimum length of 14 inches.
When to fish – October and November
Best trip – 4-hour bay charter
Blackfin Tuna
Night jigging around offshore rigs improves as water cools into the low 70s. Blackfins average 15 to 30 pounds and hit vertical jigs worked near the thermocline. Most productive trips leave in late afternoon and fish into the night, giving you shots at both twilight and after-dark bites.
When to fish – October and November
Best trip – 12-hour offshore
Call 361-850-0909 for the latest on front timing and availability. Weather windows get tighter as fall progresses.
Winter (December through February)
Water temps bottom out between 58 and 65°F. Blue-water species concentrate along temperature breaks. That makes them easier to locate when seas cooperate. Bay fishing slows during cold snaps but rebounds quickly when temps stabilize.
| Species | Why Winter Works | Best Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Wahoo | Strong concentration along temperature breaks in mid-winter | 10-12 hour offshore |
| Blackfin Tuna | Reliable around deep rigs during cooler months | 12-hour offshore |
| State-Water Snapper | Texas waters stay open year-round, ideal on calm days | 10-12-hour offshore |
| Sheepshead & Drum | Steady jetty bite between fronts, great family option | 4-hour bay/jetty |
| Trophy Trout | Big specks stage over mud and shell on warm afternoons | 4-hour bay |
Wahoo
Mid-winter brings the strongest wahoo concentrations of the year. Fish stack along the 100-fathom curve and temperature breaks 60 to 80 miles offshore. You need calm weather to make the run. When conditions align, this is the most productive wahoo window on the Texas coast.
When to fish – December through February
Best trip – 10 to 12 hours offshore
Blackfin Tuna
Reliable around deep rigs throughout winter. Target depths between 300 and 500 feet, jigging near structure. Fish stay active even when water temperatures drop into the low 60s.
When to fish – December through February
Best trip – 12-hour offshore
State-Water Snapper
Texas state waters stay open year-round for red snapper. On calm days between fronts, a 6-hour trip reaches productive reefs at depths of 60 to 80 feet. The bite stays consistent through winter. You avoid the summer crowds completely. The bag limit is 4 fish per person, with a minimum size of 15 inches in state waters.
When to fish – December through February (weather dependent)
Best trip – 6-hour near-shore
Sheepshead and Black Drum
Both species stay active around jetty pilings and channel markers between cold fronts. Sheepshead feed on barnacles and oysters, requiring small hooks and light tackle. Black drum average 5 to 15 pounds and hit cut bait on the bottom. This is a solid family option when offshore trips are off the table.
When to fish – December through February
Best trip – 4-hour bay or jetty charter
Trophy Speckled Trout
Big trout (25 inches and up) stage over mud and shell substrate on warm winter afternoons. Target deeper pockets in the Lydia Ann and Aransas Bay systems when water temps climb into the mid-60s after a few stable days. These fish hit slow-worked soft plastics and suspending plugs. Texas allows five trout per person per day, with a minimum length of 15 inches (only one fish may exceed 25 inches).
When to fish – January and February
Best trip – 4-hour bay charter
Winter trips depend on weather windows. Our captains check the forecasts daily and adjust plans accordingly based on wind and sea conditions. If blue-water runs look rough, we pivot to jetty fishing or state-water snapper closer to shore.
Curious about upcoming conditions? Reach out at 361-850-0909.
Year-Round Bay Fishing
The Lydia Ann, Corpus Christi, and Aransas Bay systems hold fish every month of the year. Redfish and speckled trout stay active across all seasons. Flounder peak in the fall. Spring brings schooling bait and aggressive trout over shallow grass flats. Summer mornings keep families cool while targeting slot reds in deeper channels.
What to Target on a 4-Hour Bay Charter
| Species | Where to Find Them | Peak Season | Texas Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redfish | Grassy shorelines, channels, oyster bars | Year-round (best spring and fall) | 3 fish per person, 20-28 inches |
| Speckled Trout | Shell bars, grass flats, under birds | Year-round (best spring and winter) | 5 fish per person, 15-inch min (one over 25″) |
| Flounder | Sandy drop-offs, channel edges | October and November | 5 fish per person, 14-inch min |
| Black Drum | Around pilings, jetties, oyster reefs | Winter and early spring | 5 fish per person, 14-30 inches |
| Sheepshead | Jetty structure, channel markers | December through March | 5 fish per person, 15-inch min |
Check current bag limits – TPWD Saltwater Bag and Length Limits
Have bay-trip questions? Call 361-850-0909 and we’ll match the tide and timing to your crew.
Choosing Your Charter Length
| Trip Length | Target Species | Who It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours (bay or jetty) | Redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum | Families, first-timers, anglers with limited time |
| 8 hours (near- or offshore) | King mackerel, cobia, tarpon, state-water snapper | Groups easing into offshore fishing, mixed skill levels |
| 8 hours (offshore) | Federal snapper (when open), mahi-mahi, kings | Full-day anglers ready for structure fishing |
| 10 to 12 hours (offshore) | Wahoo, blackfin tuna, sailfish, mixed pelagics | Serious anglers chasing trophy fish |
Species Currently Closed or Restricted
Greater Amberjack
Status: Closed in federal waters through July 31, 2026
The recreational greater amberjack season closed on September 27, 2025, due to overfishing in the 2024-2025 season. The closure affects all federal waters in the Gulf and will remain in effect through the end of the 2025-2026 fishing year. This closure resulted from recreational landings exceeding the annual catch limit by 478,451 pounds.
What this means: Amberjack cannot be harvested from federal waters during this time. The species is currently overfished and undergoing overfishing. That requires this extended closure for population recovery.
Check for updates – NOAA Amberjack Information
Important Notes on Changing Regulations
Federal fishing seasons adjust annually based on catch data and stock assessments. A species that’s open one year may close the next if harvest limits are exceeded. Before booking any offshore trip targeting a specific species, verify the current season status. We monitor these changes daily and will advise you on what’s legal to keep when you call.
Ready to Book?
A quick conversation helps us match the season, boat size, and target list to your group. Then you step aboard a Coastal Charters boat, fish alongside our crew, and head home with fresh memories and a cooler full of fillets.
Call 361-850-0909 or book online.
Disclaimer: Fishing regulations change frequently. This guide reflects regulations current as of November 2025. Always verify the current rules before your trip by checking the NOAA Gulf Regulations for federal waters and the TPWD Fishing Regulations for state waters. Coastal Charters captains stay current on all regulatory changes and will ensure your trip remains compliant with all applicable laws.